Fourth of July fireworks: Pets beware

Fireworks are a great way for people to finish off the Fourth of July. But animal lovers say more pets run away that night than any other -- spooked by the explosions overhead.

The Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., has some suggestions on protecting your pet:

1. Don't take them to fireworks displays. (Well, duh.)

2. Bring them inside before the fireworks begin. (Well, duh No. 2.)

3. Create an enclosed "safe place" for your pet to hide when the noise starts.

4. If you leave your pet inside, leave a radio or TV on to create some normal background sounds.

And if you can, now's the time to have your pet microchipped, just in case.

-- Tony Perry in San Diego

In the meantime, Karen Sueda, DVM, a member of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists who works at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, has some additional thoughts below.

Photo: Fireworks over Anaheim by Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times